Oak vs ash: choosing the right hardwood for contract dining tables

Two great hardwoods, different jobs

Both oak and ash are excellent for contract furniture, but they behave differently. Oak is denser and heavier, with a tight, formal grain and natural tannins that take fuming and dark stains beautifully. Ash is lighter, more elastic, with a bold open grain that suits pale, Scandinavian-leaning interiors.

How we advise buyers

For heavy-use restaurant tables and bar tops we usually steer toward oak for its hardness and dent resistance. For desks, benches and lighter pieces where weight and a brighter look matter, ash often wins.

Either way

Both are FSC-certified, kiln-dried to 8–10%, and finished to your spec. Send an RFQ with the piece and the look you want and we'll recommend the species — and quote both if you're undecided.